Culture and Conflict

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The possibility of the clash of civilizations, as seen by a quick glimpse of history, makes it evident that conflict is nearly inevitable. There are 5 key aspects that bring about problems in any given scenario. Historically, a niche is formed from a group of individuals with similar ways of life; through time the niche gains resources and adopts a religion or lack thereof. With these characteristics attributed to a group of people they are either viewed as friends or foes to neighboring communities, creating alliances. When a minor conflict arises with one community, because of alliances you have major conflict which has the possibility to tear individual communities apart.

Samuel P. Huntington describes exactly the same theory covered previously stating “It is my hypothesis that the fundamental source of conflict in this new world will not be primarily ideological or primarily economic. The great divisions among humankind and the dominating source of conflict will be cultural.” However his views almost repeat themselves. Merriam Webster defines culture as, “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.” When you look at those two quotes it is apparent where Huntington’s statement doubles back on itself by stating that culture, or beliefs and material traits will provide sources of conflict.

Alternatively you can lead off into a world of peace and simplicity. One that Lois Lowry describes so fully in The Giver. The pain and suffering is held from the community by two individuals while the rest of the society lives on without conflict. In terms of a proposal to live by and reduce the amount of violence present in today’s world this idea has no value. However if one were to...

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...nflict is something that has potential to render tight bonds through education and enlightenment. The more people who are able to see into each other’s eyes, the more stable and culturally diverse we will become. To echo what Huntington says, “Differences do not necessarily mean conflict. And conflict does not necessarily mean violence.” The overall globalization and education of individuals will hopefully lead us to a point at which we all peacefully live.

Works Cited
“Darmok.” Star Trek: The Next Generation. September 30, 1991

Huer, Jon. Korea at Margin of World Culture? 26 July 2009. 19 Febuary 2010 .

Huntington, Samuel P. "The Clash of Civilizations?" Foreign Affairs, 72.3 (Summer 1993): 22-49.

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Laurel-Leaf, 1993.

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